Wii+Fit+Build+a+Better+Athlete

Leo Hsu (leoliyenhsu@gmail.com) Rob Reyes (robroyale69@gmail.com) Matt Villaescusa(matt.villaescusa@gmail.com) || ||
 * || =Wii Fit: Build a Better Athlete=

Overview
Saturday is game day..... You are the overweight, out of shape, unskilled gorilla that is faced with the challenge of competing against a team of highly skilled lacrosse players. During the game, your coach is yelling at you and your teammates are frustrated with your play. You realize that being overweight and out of shape is having a negative impact on your lacrosse career. What can you do to get better? Start by improving your fitness level while participating in a variety of common fitness activities. As your fitness level improves (agility, endurance, strength, body composition), the character you create in Build a Better Athlete will begin to reflect this change. What about your skill level? You need practice, right? You can improve your character's performance by practicing skill related drills (passing, shooting on goal, defense...etc). These newly acquired skills will improve your avatar character's ability to perform in a game situation. The more you practice and train, will determine how quickly you are able to build a better "Wii Athlete".

Participants of //Build a Better Athlete// are faced with the challenge of improving their Wii athlete they have created competes in a variety of popular team sports (baseball, lacrosse, and volleyball). To start the game, players will choose a character to represent themselves as they compete in the many challenges of //Build a Better Athlete//. As the game progresses, players can improve character performance by increasing fitness and skill levels. Not only does the gamer control character performance, but they can also earn points throughout the game (fitness, skill, and status points). As a motivator, we included bonus points called, "Status points". When a gamer earns status points, these points may be used to customize and build their athlete's 'Bling" by being given the option to purchase a variety of "Bling" related materialistic items. These bling items include: sports equipment, athletic shoes and clothing, cars, houses, and more.

Instructional Objective
The primary objective for Build a Better Athlete is quite simple..... Improve personal fitness.
 * Assess personal fitness level.
 * Describe the five parts of fitness.
 * Develop personal fitness goals.
 * Create a personal fitness plan.
 * Identify and perform physical activities that improve the five parts of fitness.

Learners
//Build a Better Athlete// is designed for anyone interested in improving their personal fitness level while actively participating in familiar sports games. Like many successful video games, we hope that this game will be appealing to a wide range of age groups (ages 10 and above). This game is geared towards both male and female upper level elementary students (fourth grade and above) to adults of all ages. Since there are many aspects of fitness training involved, prior experience in various team sports is not a necessity. Although players with prior experience in team sports will most likely have a shorter learning curve. There are several "pop up" tutorials throughout the game to help players understand how to perform fitness exercises and sports skills, understand offensive and defensive strategies and concepts in the various sports, and proper nutrition to improve fitness levels and sports performance. //Build a Better Athlete// is a game where players are playing a "virtual season" while learning the attributes it takes to become a champion.

Context of Use
This game, Wii Fit: //Build a Better Athlete// would be more appropriate for home use than at a school. It is intended to be played multiple times by creating a journey for a young athlete that takes them from training camp to the championship game. The game can be played individually, versus single or multiple opponents in person, or with other Wii players online "Live" via the internet. Due to financial constraints of buying multiple game systems and televisions, limited indoor facility use and size, it is unlikely that the game could be played in a school setting. Realistically, a handful of Wii Fit consoles could be purchased and the gaming system could be used as a separate fitness station or as incentive to improve their fitness goals when participating in other activities. Prior to the game, all players start as an unfit/out of shape, unskilled athlete. In order to change their appearance and athletic ability, players need to perform fitness exercises and meet a specific goal. If a player does not meet a goal, they can perform the fitness exercise until they meet the goal. The length of the game will vary based upon the commitment of the player. //Build a Better Athlete// will be developed using the Wii gaming system.

Scope
//Build a better athlete// is a progression (adventure) type game. The game may be played multiple times so that the gamer can watch their Wii athlete mature from a beginning level athlete, to a Wii athlete that has ultimately been built to that of an athlete of professional or Olympic caliber. The time it takes a gamer to build their athlete to the ultimate Olympic or professional Wii athlete will vary depending on the amount of time that the gamer is willing to spend working out to develop and improve their personal Wii athlete.

Object of the Game
The game goal is for gamers to earn a variety of points, improve their character's overall fitness and skill level. Fun distractions in the game will be to earn 'Status points'. Status points will enable your character to shop at the mall, visit the car dealership, buy your dream home. Other points that are able to be earned will be either fitness points or skill related points. Gamers will start off playing in beginner youth leagues. Gamers accomplish or complete a variety of skill practice to improve their over avatar character performance trying to advance from one athletic level to the next. Example progression: Middle school, High school JV/Varsity, College level, and ultimately Professional or Olympic level athletic competition. At the end of each level and before progressing to the next level, there will be a championship game. Being able to advance your Wii athlete to the next level will be determined by the gamer's proficiency and performance in the championship game. Gamer statistics will be displayed and available throughout the game, which will encourage the gamer to work harder or maintain a high level of activity during game play.

Competing Products
Big League Sports (Nintendo Wii) This game has some similarities to Build a Better Athlete. This edition of Big League Sports offers players a choice of Summer related sports (beach volleyball, tennis, baseball, football, soccer and golf). In this game, players control character performance by participating in events like home run derby or target golf.

My Fitness Coach (Nintendo Wii) In this game, a personal trainer guides participants through personalized work outs. Interesting features include fitness goals, work out calendar, and step by step tutorials that demonstrate a variety of fitness activities. Players can choose the environment and music of each exercise session.

EA Sports Active (Nintendo Wii) This is one of the many fitness themed games for the Wii system. This game features a 30 day challenge that changes as you progress each day, and track calories, intensity and progress throughout your journey. Follow the guidance, motivation and training support offered by a virtual personal trainer.

[|HOPSports Training Systems] The HOPSports Training System delivers 21st century physical education to millions of kids with its unique multi-media, technology driven, standards-compliant physical education system that merges media with technology! HOPSports leadership has over twenty years experience in training elementary, middle and high school students, professional athletes, Olympians, and Hollywood celebrities with its cutting-edge training concepts.

Design Details
Technical Elements
 * Wii Sports gaming software
 * Gaming platform: Wii Nintendo System
 * Required Accessories/Controllers: Standard Wii controller, Wii Nunchuk, Force platform, Wii fitness bundle variety.


 * Earning points**

In order for the gamer to advance and further develop their personal avatar to the next level in succession, the gamer may earn and increase their point total in a variety of ways.

Status Points**:** Purchases may be made at the shopping mall for a 'Shopping Spree' or a trip to the car dealership for a cool new Ferrari, Hummer, Porsche, motorcycle...etc. The status points may also be used to shop at the mall buy material items like an ipod, ipod touch, latest athletic shoe, coolest hat, hottest warm-up suit...etc.

Skill Points**:** Gamers will earn skill points while playing a variety of different skill games related to throwing, kicking, catching, shooting, running...etc.

Fitness Points**:** Gamers will earn fitness points through repetition of skill practice in the outdoor and indoor practice and spending a certain amount of time in the Target Heart Rate Zone (THZ).

Training camp: Begin to build a foundation of athletic and fitness based skills. Gamer performance in these basic fitness and skill challenges will influence the progress and development of your Wii athlete avatar. Your beginning Wii athlete will resemble an appropriate avatar picture depicting the gamer's current state of health, body type and athletic ability level. The goal is for the gamer to compete with their Wii athlete in a variety of mini games and physical challenges. Within each of those games the gamer will be able to earn fitness points, skill points, and status points to build their Wii athlete.


 * Examples of ways to earn points:**

Fitness points: In the fitness club portion of the game, the gamer will earn points for increasing their bench press performance.

Skill Points: In a mini-camp game, the gamer will earn nine (9) points by shooting nine (9) out of 10 lacrosse balls at a target.

Status points: Scores a perfect in any mini-camp skill game, fitness performance, or outstanding displays of skill during a championship game at the end of each level.

Each time the gamer plays, they accumulate points to help build the strength of their athlete. As the gamers complete each level they will acquire points (each level has different point values based on the importance and difficulty of the next level that they wish to advance to). When a gamer's attains a particular status point level, they will be given the opportunity to apply their points to challenge the next stage and/or be promoted to the next competition level. Example progression: Middle school, High school JV/Varsity, College level and ultimately Professional or Olympic level athletic competition.
 * Rooms**

There will be several main screens with additional rooms branching off of those rooms. Skill practice and fitness practice screens will always be available, simply for practice. A gamer will not be able to earn points to use for their Wii athlete unless they have officially completed the pre-season physical exam.

Room 1: Creating your Wii athlete

This is where the Wii athlete creation begins. Gamers will be required to complete a pre-participation physical before being able to move forward to compete (pre-season physical medical examination). The gamer will be asked to input data such as age, gender, & height. The Wii force platform will take into account the gamer's weight, ability tests to measure balance, reaction time...etc. (similar to Wii Fit). The gamer pre-participation physical will also include activities to measure the gamer's resting heart rate (RHR), aerobic capacity, agility, muscular strength (push-up, curl-up, pull ups...etc). At the completion of the pre-participation physical, the gamer will be assigned a suggested avatar which will be consistent with the gamer's current state of health. As the gamer improves their overall fitness and athletic ability, the gamer's avatar too will morph into a more fit athlete accordingly.

Branches: [|Avatar Creation]
 * Facial shape, eyebrows, nose, mouth (lips), facial hair
 * Skin Tone
 * Hair Style
 * Eye color & shape
 * Body Type: Ectomorph, Mesomorph, Endomorph

Room 2: Fitness Room Screen: (Conditioning) Workout Rooms Here the gamer can visit as often as they'd like to accumulate points that may applied to improve their Wii athlete. Status points are awarded to the gamer for events in which they show a significant improvement in score from their previous fitness event trials.

Branches:
 * Free Weight Room (dumbells)
 * Pulley Machines
 * Elastic (strengthening) bands
 * Pull up bar
 * Stationary Bicycle
 * Heavy Bag

Room 3: Training Camps Screen The training camps will give the gamer the opportunity to earn additional points to continue improving their Wii athlete. Training camps will offer a variety of training through game-situational skill. Gamer's earning a perfect score (10/10 shots on goal) during a skill practice session will earn the maximum of 10 Status points. Gamer's earning:

90% shots on goal = 9 points 80% shots on goal = 8 points...........and so on.

Branches: Skill Practice includes - Agility, throwing, catching, hitting, pitching, shooting...etc. Skill Practice includes - Agility, platform passing (bump pass), setting, hitting (spiking), jumping, serving, footwork, blocking,defense...etc.
 * Outdoor Sports Training Camp - Baseball and lacrosse skill training
 * Indoor Sports Training Camps - Volleyball, basketball,



Room 4: Shopping mall screen This is sure to be a fun way for gamers to spend their points. Gamers may choose to spend their hard earned points to add "Bling" to their Wii Athlete. They may also choose to shop at the grocery and vitamin stores to make sure that the athlete is getting the proper nutritients to fuel their Wii athlete's body for serious physical gaming competition.

Branches: [|Nutrition Matters]
 * Sporting Goods Store
 * Electronics Store (ipod, itouch, ...etc.)
 * Footlocker (athletic wear, shoes, ...etc.)
 * Nutrition Store (Great Earth vitamins, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC...etc.)
 * Grocery store

Room 5: Car dealership screen The more expensive cars will only be available after a gamer earns a certain amount of points:

Branches: [|Wii MarioKart]
 * (400 + points) Used Cars : Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Honda
 * (500 + points) Subaru, Lexus, Volkswagen, Cadillac, Motorcycle
 * (800 + points) Jaguar,Mercedes, Lexus, Land Rover, Hummer, BMW
 * (1000 + points) Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley, Lotus, Rolls Royce

Room 6: Buy a home Ultimately buy your dream home!

Branches:
 * (1000 + points) Apartment or studio
 * (2000 + points) Home or Condominium
 * (3000 + points) Build your custom dream home (Mansion, Private Luxury Estate...etc.)

Room 7: Championship Game Screen Have you trained your Wii athlete to be the best that they can be? Are you ready to advance to the next level of competition? Compete to see how your Wii athlete and its team matches up with the best teams during a tournament style competition. The tournaments will be organized and individualized in each of the respective sports: baseball, lacrosse, & volleyball.

Branches:
 * Youth Sports (beginner or entry level) competition
 * Middle School (Intermediate) level competition
 * High School (Advanced) level competition
 * Professional or Olympic level competition

Room 8: Awards Ceremony Screen (shown at the end of each championship game).

The game will end with a huge celebratory finale, compete with fireworks, confetti, and the athletes standing on the podium earning either a first, second, or third place trophy. The gamer's overall performance and game statistics will be displayed. The gamer's performance dictates whether or not their Wii athlete will advance to the next level of competition.

Branches: [|Congratulations Screen (Wii Mario Kart)]
 * Screen stating your overall performance statistics.
 * "Congratulations, you've succeeded to the next level" screen. Advancement granted. Trophy Awarded.
 * "Level advancement denied...you need more practice and training" screen.

Motivational Issues
According to Malone and Lepper (1987) there are several key characteristics of learning games that should be addressed during the design stage. These characteristics include individual intrinsic motivational factors of challenge, curiosity, control, fantasy as well as interpersonal intrinsic motivational factors of cooperation and competition. Our game, //Build a Better Athlete// has made a connection with several of these motivational factors.


 * Challenge**- This game is all about challenge. Players face a variety of physical and skill related challenges throughout the game. Physically, the player will need to improve his/her personal fitness level so that the game character will be able to improve game performance. The player will also need to improve specific skills while practicing a variety of drills in order for the game character to reflect this growth.


 * Control**- Playing //Build a Better Athlete// offers the gamer the power to determine his/her success in the game. The player has many choices to make before game action even begins. These choices include building the game character, selecting body type, eye color, hair color, and wardrobe to name a few. During game action, the player is in complete control of the environment. If the player feels that he/she needs to improve their upper body strength to perform better in a lacrosse game, he/she can decide to go to the fitness club and train. If the player's skills are lacking and performance is suffering during game action, then he/she can choose to practice the drills until a specific skill level has been achieved. These newly acquired skills will be reflected in future game action.


 * Fantasy**- Many young people dream of becoming successful professional athletes. Playing //Build a Better Athlete// offers gamers of all fitness and sport experience levels an opportunity to create a representation of themselves and advance from playing in youth leagues to high school, college, and professionally. By achieving a variety of accomplishments throughout the game, players can earn status points which allow them to customize their character's identity (clothing, jewelry, cars, houses, and more).


 * Competition**- Although Malone and Lepper classify competition as an interpersonal intrinsic motivational factor, //Build a Better Athlete// also creates individual intrinsic motivation as each player competes to improve his/her personal fitness level so that their game character can improve physical performance during game action. Players can choose to compete head to head in the same room or from any location around the World. Players compete to earn status points and customize their character to reflect their personal identity.

Design Process
Our egame design team met on Skype on three (3) different occasions and a number of times in person to nail down an idea about how the Wii egame in mind should be presented. In the physical education world, games such as Dance, Dance Revolution (DDR) and the Wii Fit console are called exergaming, which is using video games as a platform for exercise. We knew that we wanted a game that would get the gamer physically involved. We wanted all the Wii controllers to be physically manipulated: Force pad (similar to a Dance, Dance, Revolution mat), interactive game controllers shaped as a baseball bat, lacrosse stick...etc. We also wanted to add a heart rate monitor component so that we could include a Target Heart Rate Zone (THZ) aspect to our game. We further enhanced our game design ideas by researching Wii fitness related games that were already in existence on the Nintendo website as well as through a Google search. At times it was very frustrating because every idea we came up with was already a Wii Fit game. We considered a summer or winter olympics theme. Already been done. We considered an outdoor recreational game. Also, already been done. We considered creating a fitness game that was related to the five (5) components of fitness before rejecting that idea because we all agreed that it was too specific (narrow) and would not be the first game a child would pull off the shelf at a store. We wanted to cater to a larger gaming audience. We also wanted the game to be a fitness type game similar to games that are already available so that the gamer would be interested in playing it but wanted to make it so that the overall theme was new and different so that they would want to buy and play it with their friends and family. We carefully considered eight (8) game titles before deciding on the current game title, "//Build a Better Athlete"//. We shared our egame ideas with our physical education colleagues at work during our lunch break and with our students to elicit feedback and suggestions. We also received informative feedback during an Edtec670 class to share our egame ideas with our COMET colleagues.


 * Intrinsic Motivation (n.d.). Retrieved from []

Graphics


 * Congratulations Screen. Retrieved from __http://video.google.com/videosearch?client=safari&rls=en&q=wii+congratulatory+screen&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=DEolS67FAYjitgPgz4DhDg&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQqwQwAA#__
 * Everlast Dumbells (Wii). Retrieved from http://www.everlast.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EVWIIDMB
 * Nutrition Matters. Retrieved from __http://www.zillion.co.nz/listing/10014054/__